Chuck Hagel: “in response to my friend and colleague, the Senator from Minnesota, on his first amendment regarding religious…”

“in response to my friend and colleague, the Senator from Minnesota, on his first amendment regarding religious persecution, my opposition to his amendment is not because I believe there is religious freedom in China. Clearly, there is not. I believe every one of the Members of this body understands that as well. It is my opinion that if we adopt this amendment, it will have the opposite effect desired by its sponsors. The issue is: How do we best influence the behavior of China on human rights? I believe if we kill permanent normal trade relations with China, it will not be in the best interest of human rights in China. I share my colleague's concern, as do each of our colleagues in this body, about the repression of citizens' rights in China. Again, the question is, How do we best influence that behavior? How do we best deal with it? I believe, as well intentioned as this amendment is, that it is misguided and that it will kill, if adopted, this bill.”